Strings and Bridge for a Church Bass

[Jeff Krieger]

I am finishing up restoring a church bass and was wondering if there were opinions on what kind of strings and bridge to put on it? It is a 4 string church bass. Should I put cello or bass gut strings? Someone recommended a Forster bridge which was popular in England in the early 1800's. Are there any thoughts about that?

What kind of bow would be used, a cello or bass?

[Ken Smith]

I am finishing up restoring a church bass and was wondering if there were opinions on what kind of strings and bridge to put on it? It is a 4 string church bass. Should I put cello or bass gut strings? Someone recommended a Forster bridge which was popular in England in the early 1800's. Are there any thoughts about that?

What kind of bow would be used, a cello or bass?


What is the body length and string length as compared to a modern Cello.

[Jeff Krieger]

The body length is 31". From the bridge to the bottom of the nut at the top of the fingerboard it is 29'.

[Ken Smith]

The body length is 31". From the bridge to the bottom of the nut at the top of the fingerboard it is 29'.

Ok, so what are these measurements for a modern Cello?

Old Yankee makers made Cellos with small bass-like Gears as well.

[Jeff Krieger]

Interesting.....standard body length is 29" string length from bridge to bottom of nut 26.75".